Not all business networking is created equal
Business networking that works - check out our three types of regular networking events and choose which one (or all) that work(s) for you:
The Exchange - Purposeful networking with themed speaker
Industry Co-Labs - connect with others in your industry
BNI - structured referrals
We all know business networking can be a powerful tool for growth—but only when it’s done right.
Too often, it’s reduced to small talk and business cards, with little follow-through or value. Worse, sometimes it’s not even that, but rather an obligation to show up and observe the usual cliques being cliquey.
We believe good networking is about something more: connection, relevance and shared purpose.
That’s why we offer a variety of business networking options, designed to suit different styles and goals.
Exchange: the power of purposeful connection
Our monthly Exchange event is built for those who want more than a handshake and a hello. Held in The Bank, Exchange is a relaxed, after-work event that blends genuine connection with expert insights.
Each month, we invite a local speaker to share their experience or market knowledge, followed by time to ask questions, meet others and explore opportunities.
It’s not about selling—it’s about learning, sharing and moving your business forward with the support of others in the same boat.
BNI: structured referrals that get results
We’re also proud to initiate a local chapter of BNI (Business Network International), the world’s largest structured networking organisation.
BNI is ideal for business owners who want a clear system for referrals, strong accountability and weekly momentum. With over 38 years of results behind it, BNI helps members grow through regular connection, shared goals and a 'giver’s gain' approach.
It’s a format that works—especially for those who thrive on consistency and structure.
Industry Co-Labs: connect with people who get it
Sometimes, you just want to talk to someone who understands your industry.
Industry Co-Labs are informal, sector-based sessions where you can swap stories, test ideas and ask the questions that only peers will understand. It’s a chance to meet others in your field, stay across trends and find potential collaborators—without the pressure of a pitch.
Why it matters
Not all networking event types work for everyone—and that’s okay.
You might not feel super confident about business networking, quite possibly because you’ve had a poor experience or have been given a fixed idea of what it’s “supposed to be”.
We’ve come to understand that a good experience usually comes down to a few key ingredients:
Clear expectations about the type of event you're attending
Good hosting, so you're not left standing around looking at cliques
Recognition that there isn't one right way, you just need to be yourself
Whether you're looking for leads, knowledge or connection, our networking line-up gives you the chance to show up in a way that feels authentic and worthwhile.
Done well, networking can change the course of a business. It’s how we find new opportunities, gain perspective and remember that we’re not doing this alone.
Grow Your Business in 2025 BNI-Style
BNI is the most effective networking organisation we have come across, by far. We’re looking to form a group here in Waitaki and looking for people who great at what they do, focused on growing their business and looking for new opportunities locally. Find out more here.
About a thousand years ago, when I first went out on my own as a copywriter in the UK, I joined a networking organisation that within a year, produced 90% of my revenue. Now I’m going to introduce that organisation to you.
Regular revenue wasn’t the only benefit I gained. I got to work in new ways that developed my craft and I got outstanding business advice that helped me increase my charge-out rate AND my overall profitability.
I was a business of one.
Some people in the group came from far bigger businesses.
All of us turned up week after week because it was REALLY good for business.
Returning to New Zealand I tried some different networking groups - women’s ones, informal ones, breakaway versions of the one I joined in the UK but ultimately the only one that reliably worked for me home in NZ was the one I first found in the UK - BNI.
What I came to recognise is that over four decades, all around the world, across vastly different cultures (including over 25 years in New Zealand), BNI has stuck to its knitting because it works.
It works to grow businesses.
It works to grow expertise.
It works to support incredible connections.
I know from experience that BNI is not a magic bullet for everyone.
But if you’re the sort of person who does what you say you will, are good at what you do, are focussed on growing your business and looking for some new opportunities - it could be for you.
If you’d like to know more, fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch.
Professional Workspaces Useful to Businesses
Remote working has a whole range of benefits. Post-pandemic numbers of people ‘working from home’ are still multiple times higher than pre-pandemic. But working from home has its down-sides. Coworking may be the real hybrid solution you’re after.
The era of remote working is far from over. With increasing cost pressures on businesses and workers, real estate costs could be a huge factor in how and where we work in the future.
Last month, Apollo Technical reviewed the work-from-home trend and concluded that it’s here to stay. It’s fair to say that some of the data they cited dates back to 2020 and 2021 which we have to recognise as peak work-from-home era thanks to old mate, global pandemic.
Headlines towards the end of last year captured the might of big global companies forcing workers to return to the office including Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, UPS, Boeing, Google, Meta and Zoom (yes, that video communications company, Zoom).
Look a little closer and those headlines generally referred to a two or three-day-a-week return, not a full-time return, making hybrid working (partly remote, partly on-site) increasingly common.
In NZ, Seek’s stats showed 8.9% of Kiwi job ads indicated that the role could be done from home. Pre-pandemic, very few of us worked from home. The industry breakdown of remote workers is as you’d expect - white collar desk-based workers by far leading the trend.
What is more interesting for regional towns like ours is that InternetNZ’s Internet Insights Survey at about the same time, suggested that half of Kiwis whose jobs allow work-from-home would consider moving somewhere if they could relocate their current job.
Turns out, New Zealand is the top destination for digital nomads in Australia. A digital nomad is someone who has the ability to work from anywhere. We are still the world’s best country for life-work balance according to Remote’s ranking of the world’s top 60 GDP countries. We have at least one digital nomad working from our place regularly, their employer being off-shore.
Hybrid working (being part-time office-based) may not easily work for people based in Ōamaru if the company is in Auckland but hey, if they’re in Dunedin or Timaru - at least a day a week here in town with us makes sense for both parties in terms of cost and travel time (that’s productivity, right there).
We’ve also hosted many people who are managing to move between towns and cities on at least a semi-regular basis. There’s no question that Waitaki offers a host of attractions that benefits remote workers who can be paid city-rates and enjoy the best of what our region has to offer.
Another group of our regulars live just far enough outside of town that they have to rely on expensive rural or satellite internet. That won’t last forever (the pricing will get increasingly competitive) but in the meantime, a membership at our place is a fraction of the cost, more reliable and likely, faster.
We’ve looked into it and there’s easily ten good reasons people here and everywhere choose to work out of places like ours - and that’s before you even factor in company’s ongoing operatoinal costs. Check them out.
Increased Productivity
Coworking environments often lead to higher productivity levels. The presence of others working alongside you can create a motivating atmosphere and reduce distractions.Enhanced Focus
The structured environment of a coworking space helps improve concentration. With dedicated areas for focused work and professional surroundings, it becomes easier to stay on task.Boosted Creativity
Collaboration and idea-sharing in coworking spaces can spark creativity. Diverse perspectives and spontaneous brainstorming sessions often lead to innovative solutions and new ideas.Networking Opportunities
Coworking spaces provide access to a broad network of professionals. This networking can lead to valuable connections, partnerships and business opportunities.Reduced Feelings of Isolation
Working alone can be isolating. Coworking spaces offer a sense of community and interaction, helping to combat loneliness and create a supportive work environment.Access to Resources and Amenities
Coworking spaces often come with professional amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and office equipment. These resources enhance your work experience without the overhead costs.Cost-Effective Solutions
Renting space in a coworking environment is typically more affordable than maintaining a private office - even one at home. It offers flexible plans and scalability, reducing operational costs.Work-Life Balance
Coworking spaces help maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life. The professional setting aids in creating a routine and a clear separation from home responsibilities.Opportunities for Learning and Development
Many coworking spaces offer workshops, events, and networking activities that can contribute to personal and professional growth. This fosters continuous learning and skill development.Increased Flexibility
Coworking spaces often provide flexible membership plans, allowing you to choose the level of access that suits your needs. This flexibility helps accommodate various work styles and schedules.
So if any of that sounds like a little bit of what you need, check out our website and talk to us. The way we work has changed. A professional environment is a real asset - it just doesn’t have to be in the same place as the company or even in the same place all the time. Can your business afford not to be flexible?
Industry Co-Labs
The Business Hive is launching a series of Industry Co-Labs to give local and independent businesses the opportunity to network with allied professionals in your industry.
Let us know what industry you’re interested in connecting with, and we’ll get you connected.
The Business Hive is launching a series of Industry Co-Labs to give local and independent businesses the opportunity to network with allied professionals in your industry. Knowing who does (and doesn't) do what is a huge asset when you're looking for a partner in a project, or a (sub)contractor with a specific skill set.
So, let us know what industry you’re in and interested in connecting with, and we’ll keep you in the loop!
Monthly, Friday Free-for-All - Work from our place FREE
Need a change of scene, join us on the last Friday of every month - completely free. You just make yourself at home, help yourself to a cuppa and stretch those social muscles a little bit while getting some work done.
Every last Friday of the month is Friday Free for All, that means if you’re a remote worker, freelancer, business owner or contractor - you’re invited to come in and enjoy our communal business lounge, The Bank, for FREE!
Come in, plug in and connect. It couldn’t be simpler.
This is your chance to leave your home office for the day, come use this incredible space, catch up with like-minds and remind us about what you do and the clients you’re looking for.
We believe the more connected we are, the more work opportunities we can share and that helps everyone to get more work that falls into their sweet spot.
There’s no catch to this offer but we do strongly encourage you to sign up to our portal and add your details to our directory (get step by step instructions here). That way more of our members will be able to see what you offer, 24/7. 🐝
Want to know more? Just get in touch.
